Emery, Ayris medal at State

Clare had a strong showing at the division three wrestling state finals, in an event that spanned from Feb. 27 until March 1 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Logan Emery was the top finisher for the Pioneers, coming in sixth place in the 160 weight class.

Emery (35-12) began his run with a loss to Donny Mandell from Dundee, who won with a 12-8 decision.

Emery then racked up three straight wins in the consolation rounds, beginning with a pin over Swan Valley’s Brody Noykos late in the first round, then with a pin over Forrest Courtright of Shelby in the third period and then with a 7-3 decision win over Boyd Hubbard of Alma.

In the consolation semi-finals Emery fell to Mandell again, this time in a first period pin. Then, in the fifth place match Emery lost in an 11-2 major decision to end his run with a sixth place finish.

Brandon Ayris in the 171 weight class also placed, coming in seventh place.

Ayris (40-8) began his day with a 14-12 decision win over Alex Brown of Buchanan, but lost his next match to Andy Donoho of Lake Fenton from a late third period pin.

Ayris won his first consolation match, topping James Dwenger of Swan Valley with a 5-3 decision but lost his next match to Allegan’s Levi Sabin in a 10-8 decision.

Ayris ended his day with a win in the seventh place match, topping Ben McCann of Bullock Creek with a 6-3 decision.

Brenden Hensley, wrestling in the 215 weight class did not place, but did win one of his matches.

Hensley (38-6) began with an overtime loss to Quintin Wilber of Montrose.

Hensley rebounded to top Alek Zivanic of Wyoming-Kelloggsville in a 6-2 decision but his run ended in the next round by falling to George Lahar of Birch Run in an 8-5 decision.